Thu Sep 26 15:53:59 UTC 2024: ## Former Tamil Nadu Minister Granted Bail in Money Laundering Case Despite Prima Facie Evidence
The Supreme Court has granted bail to former Tamil Nadu Minister Senthil Balaji in a money laundering case related to alleged “cash for jobs” allegations. While the court acknowledged the existence of a prima facie case against Balaji, the bail was granted due to the delay in the trial.
The court found no reason to doubt the authenticity of incriminating files seized from Balaji’s premises during the investigation. These files allegedly detail payments made in exchange for jobs within the Transport Department. The court also deemed the Rs. 1.34 crore deposited into Balaji’s bank account as prima facie evidence of wrongdoing. Balaji’s explanation that the money was from his salary as an MLA and agricultural income was deemed insufficient.
Balaji was accused of orchestrating a scheme during his tenure as Transport Minister between 2011 and 2016. He is alleged to have collected large sums of money from job seekers in exchange for employment within the department, working in collusion with his personal assistants and brother.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) argued that the seized files show a substantial amount of money collected from job applicants. They also contested Balaji’s explanation for the cash deposits, highlighting the discrepancy between his declared agricultural income and the amount deposited. The ED also pointed to an unexplained deposit in his wife’s account.
Balaji’s lawyers argued that the evidence seized was tainted and the Rs. 1.34 crore deposited in his account represented legitimate income. They also pointed to inconsistencies in the analysis of seized files.
Despite the prima facie evidence against Balaji, the Supreme Court granted bail due to the delay in the trial. The case will now proceed in the Special Court for Elected Members of Parliament and Members of the Legislative Assembly in Chennai.
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